The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on the fear of death in patients with multiple sclerosis

Context: Considering the psychological component of multiple sclerosis (MS) in intervention could play a key role in patient compliance with their physical condition.

Aims: This study examines the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) based on the fear of death in patients with MS.

Setting and Design: The present study is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest, posttest, and control group.

Material and Methods: The study population included 57 patients with MS who were members of MS association in North Khorasan Province, Shirvan city in 2016. Using the available sampling method, 30 samples were selected by random assignment and included in experimental and control groups (15 per group). The instrument used in this study was Templer fear of death questionnaire. The experimental group received eight sessions of therapeutic intervention.

Statistical Analysis Used: Analytical and statistical analyzes are done by SPSS21. due to the nature of the plan and the two groups (control and test), the statistical method of analysis of covariance, and the effect size were used.

Results: The results of covariance analysis showed that treatment based on acceptance and commitment has a significant effect on the fear of death in patients with MS (P < 0.001). In addition, the level of fear of death in the pretest stage was also significant on the fear of death in the posttest (P< 0.001).

Conclusions: According to the results, it is expected that ACT maintains its effects in the long run with features such as: Encouraging people to live in the present moment, mindfulness, commitment to the pursuit of worthwhile goals, and an emphasis on process rather than the outcome.